This report from the U.S. examines measurable indicators of walking and cycling, as well as comparison with other countries. Benchmark reports of this type have also been done in Canada in this report: Benchmarking Toronto’s Bicycle Environment: Comparing Toronto to other World Cities (2 page pdf, Toronto Coalition for Active Transportation, Apr. 25, 2008) and in this “ Online Benchmarking Tool” from the European Union which looks at various measures for 41 cities.
Over 1/3 of the population is either too young (under 16) or too old (over 65) to drive and this fraction will grow as society ages. Current and past urban design, aimed almost exclusively at driver comfort and convenience, ignores the needs of the young and old as well as the health impacts of congestion and pollution that accompany this. Benchmarks are a start to reverse this unsustainable trend.
Key Quotes:
“found the U.S. to have the second lowest bicycle share of trips when compared to several European countries, Canada, and Australia. Countries like the Netherlands and Denmark with 27% and 18% of trips by bicycle, respectively, are setting the benchmark for what is possible.”
“countries and cities that invest the most in bicycling and walking have higher bicycling and walking mode share, and are safer places to bicycle and walk.. [in the US]bicyclists and pedestrians make up over 13% of traffic fatalities and receive just 1.2% of federal transportation dollars”
“Over one-third of the U.S. population is under age 16 (cannot legally drive) or over age 65. Streets designed just to move cars are leaving behind the most vulnerable road users,”
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